Get into the holiday spirit with these festive events around Central Florida. 

It’s true, there’s no place like home for the holidays and our annual holiday calendar is your ultimate guide to Central Florida’s holiday happenings—regardless of what you celebrate.

NOW-NOV. 24
Festival of Trees
Visitors will want to check out the décor, more than 30 designer-decorated trees, gingerbread houses and wreaths, and participate in the Entertaining and Design tablescapes raffle, Silent Auction, photo ops with Santa and more.
Orlando Museum of Art, times vary, included in general admission, Orlando, OMArt.org

NOW-JAN. 18
The Christmas Mansion
The Stetson Mansion is Florida’s most historic private residences and had one of the first trees ever decked out with electric lights. During the Christmas season, the owners deck the halls and invite in visitors to tour the home.
Stetson Mansion, times vary, prices vary, Deland, StetsonMansion.com/Christmas-Tours

NOW-DEC. 21
Wreck the Halls: Christmas Letters, Family & Fruitcake
This musical comedy celebrates the ups and downs of the holiday season through four actors portraying 46 characters in its Southeastern regional premiere.
Winter Park Playhouse, times vary, $20-$47, Winter Park, WinterParkPlayhouse.org

NOW-JAN. 4
Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort
Step inside a holiday showplace as you wind your way through the large sculptures, go down frozen slides and check out the 60-foot tall Christmas tree.
Gaylord Palms Resort, times vary, prices vary, Kissimmee, ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.Marriott.com

NOV. 21-DEC. 25
Holinights Celebration
The Promenade’s Holinights Celebration features Santa Claus and other beloved holiday characters with live music, miniature steam engine tours, and the nightly lighting of a 45-foot animated Christmas tree.
Promenade at Sunset Walk, 6-9:30 p.m., free, Kissimmee, SunsetWalk.com

NOV. 22
I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting
The 50-foot tree lighting ceremony will feature special guests and performances throughout the night.
ICON Park, 6 p.m., free, Orlando, InternationalDriveOrlando.com

NOV. 23-JAN. 5
Colorful Christmas
Embrace creativity this holiday season with colorful animatronic characters, light shows, live entertainment, activities, treats, crafts and more.
Crayola Experience, 10 a.m., $26.99, Orlando, CrayolaExperience.com/Orlando

NOV. 23-JAN. 26
Nights of Lights
Listed among National Geographic’s top 10 holiday light displays in the world, view millions of white lights as they shine upon downtown St. Augustine.
Downtown St. Augustine, free, St. Augustine, FloridasHistoricCoast.com

NOV. 25-DEC. 29
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage
Based on the timeless television special, families will experience the classic characters come to life as Charlie Brown, Snoopy and their friends sing and dance onstage.
Orlando Family Stage, times vary, $20+, Orlando, OrlandoFamilyStage.com

NOV. 27-DEC. 22
A Christmas Carol
The traditional Dickens Christmas tale inspires the spirit of giving, told through theatrical performances.
Orlando Shakes, times vary, $35+, Orlando, OrlandoShakes.org

NOV. 27- DEC. 22
A Christmas Story
This musical tells the story of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his dream of receiving the ultimate Christmas gift: an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle.
Theatre Winter Haven, times vary, $33-36, Winter Haven, TheatreWinterHaven.com

NOV. 29
Elf in Concert
Enjoy this popular holiday film on the big screen underscored by a live orchestra.
Walt Disney Theater, 3 & 7 p.m., $35.50+, Orlando, DrPhillipsCenter.org

NOV. 29
Sugar Plum Fairy’s Winter Tale
Join the Orlando Metropolitan Ballet as they entertain audiences with this special winter-themed ballet.
Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $45, Orlando, OrlandoMet.org

NOV. 29-30
Holiday Market
Tidy up your holiday shopping list while supporting local businesses at this holiday market featuring products from home decor and vintage clothes to jewelry and more.
The Veranda at Thornton Park, noon-4 p.m., free, Orlando, DowntownOrlando.com

NOV. 29-JAN. 5
Dazzling Nights
Orlando’s 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens transforms once again into a winter wonderland— stroll through a garden of stained glass windows and 800 flickering candles, experience the Garden’s tallest tree to date and more.
Harry P. Leu Gardens, various entry times from 5:30-9 p.m., $19+, Orlando, DazzlingOrlando.com

NOV. 30
Florida Philharmonic: Home for the Holidays
Led by guest conductor Byron Stripling and director Andrew Minear, this holiday performance features carols and sing-alongs with Orlando Sings.
Steinmetz Hall, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., tickets from $30, Orlando, OrlandoPhil.org

NOV. 30-DEC. 1
7th Annual Multicultural Festival
Learn about the cultural diversity alive in Central Florida with entertainment on three stages, plus hundreds of artists, international food, spoken word and more.
Seneff Arts Plaza, Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. & Sun. noon-6 p.m., free, Orlando, DrPhillipsCenter.org

NOV. 30-DEC. 31
Now Snowing
This month-long event features nightly snowings, Dickens-style carolers, ice skating, pictures with Santa and more.
Town Center, times vary, cost of tickets vary by experience, Celebration, CelebrationTownCenter.com

DEC. 1-25
Winter Wonderland
Get into the holiday spirit with daily “snow” flurries, a stroll through the Christmas tree forest, a visit with Santa and more—and don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy donation for the Kids House of Seminole County.
Wekiva Island, Sun.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. & Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-11 p.m., $5, Longwood, WekivaIsland.com

DEC. 1-31
The DeLand Christmas Light Show
View more than 10,000 LED lights from your car and listen over the radio as the music coincides with the illuminated display.
Stetson Baptist Church, 5:30-9:30 p.m., free, DeLand, StetsonBaptistChurch.org

DEC. 3 & 10
Holiday Traditions Around the World
Returning for its 17th consecutive year, this musical takes the audience on a world tour to experience traditions, dances, songs and stories from Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and more.
Ferguson Hall, 10:30 a.m., $7.50+, Tampa, StrazCenter.org

DEC. 4
Holiday DIY Crafts
Create handmade seasonal gifts and crafts with family and friends; registration is required.
Orange County Library System, Winter Garden Branch, 4:30-5:30 p.m., free, Orlando, OCLS.info

DEC. 5
46th Annual Christmas In The Park
Each year, the Morse Museum helps launch the holiday season in Winter Park by lighting up Tiffany windows in Central Park—joined by the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble in concert.
Central Park, 6:15-8:30 p.m., free, Winter Park, MorseMuseum.org

DEC. 5-6
Around the World at Christmas
The CFCArts Community Choir and members from the Symphony Orchestra present a holiday tour around the world through music in a celebration of diverse cultural traditions.
Northland Church, 7:30 p.m., $10-30, Orlando, CFCArts.com

DEC. 6
Light Up Winter Garden 2024
Usher in the holiday season at this year’s 37th annual event featuring the town’s tree lighting, live holiday entertainment, children’s activities and more.
City Hall, 6-9 p.m., free, Winter Garden, CWGDN.com

DEC. 6-8
Four Lost Santas
Opera Orlando presents Four Lost Santas—a lead-in to Gian Carlo Menotti’s seasonal favorite, Amahl and the Night Visitors.
Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, times very, $49-89, Orlando, DrPhillipsCenter.org

DEC. 6-22
The Nutcracker
Follow young Clara as she dreams of her favorite Christmas gift—a nutcracker from the town’s toymaker.
Steinmetz Hall, times vary, $29+, Orlando, OrlandoBallet.org

DEC. 6-22
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
As Lake Nona Town Center transforms into “Peppermint Square,” enjoy snow-themed sights, snacks, entertainment and activities with additional themed experiences throughout the month.
Lake Nona Town Center, times vary, free, Lake Nona, OhWhatFunLakeNona.com

DEC. 7
72nd Annual Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade
Celebrate the holidays with Central Florida’s oldest continuous holiday parade featuring over 80 organizations including marching bands, emergency services and a guest appearance by Santa Claus.
Park Avenue, 9-10:30 a.m., free, Winter Park, WinterPark.org

DEC. 7
Holiday Night Market
This new event features an open-air market for holiday shopping and festivities such as live entertainment, seasonal treats and more.
Downtown Pavilion, 4-8 p.m., free admission, Winter Garden, DowntownWG.com

DEC. 7
Holiday Golf Cart Street Parade
Gather around as residents from Sherwood Forest RV Resort decorate and present their personal golf carts in full holiday flair.
Old Town’s Main Street, 6:30-8:30 p.m., free, Kissimmee, MyOldTownUSA.com

DEC. 7, 13 & 20
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park
Bring blankets, chairs, snacks and the whole family for screenings of The Santa Clause, Elf and Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, respectively.
Lake Eola Park, 7 p.m., free, Orlando, DowntownOrlando.com

DEC. 8
Krampusfest
For those who prefer an alternative approach to Christmas, families are invited to celebrate the German holiday folklore that is both exciting and a little bit spooky.
The Milk District, 2-9 p.m., free, Orlando, TheMilkDistrict.org

DEC. 8, 10-15, 17-22 & 26-29
Jungle Lights
Witness over 200,000 LED lights lighting up local flora and fauna, and Vero Beach’s largest animated Christmas tree. Select nights enjoy a visit from Santa, a 1924 Wurlitzer Band Organ performance or a Holiday Train Show.
McKee Botanical Garden, 6-9 p.m., $10-20, Vero Beach, McKeeGarden.org

DEC. 14
4th Annual Night of Hope
Help to provide critically ill children and their families with weeklong vacations while enjoying a Christmas concert featuring personalities from the Disney YouTube community.
Give Kids The World Village, 6 p.m., $60-175, Kissimmee, GKTW.org

DEC. 12-15
Sounds of the Season Christmas Concert
St. Luke’s UMC’s annual Christmas concert features the Community Choir, vibrant dancers and a melodic live orchestra.
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Thurs.-Sat. 7 p.m. & Sun. 2:30 p.m., $7-35, Orlando, St.Lukes.Org/ChristmasConcert

DEC. 13-15
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Listen as a cast of characters bring the story of George Bailey to life, complete with live sound events and retro jingles.
Central Florida Public Media Studios, times vary, $10-25, Longwood, CFCArts.com

DEC. 14
Jolly Jamboree
Enjoy food trucks, rides, a dog parade, musical performances and more, before ending the night with a tree lighting.
Downtown Ocoee, 3-8 p.m., free, Ocoee, Ocoee.org

DEC. 14
Holiday Pops
Celebrate the season with holiday favorites performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Music Director Eric Jacobsen.
Della Phillips Pavilion, 6 p.m., free, Orlando, OrlandoPhil.org

DEC. 14
12th Annual Violectric Holiday Show
Violectric’s holiday concert combines popular holiday songs with classic and modern rock hits.
The Walt Disney Amphitheatre, 7 p.m., free, Lake Eola, Violectric.net

DEC. 17
Great American Big Band Holiday Concert
With a vintage ’40s orchestra, Bennett Harmon and The Great American Big Band will transport you to an era when America was producing some of the greatest music of all time.
Ritz Theater, 3 p.m., $30.50-37.50, Sanford, RitzTheaterSanford.com

DEC. 20
Holiday Movie Night
Pull up a chair, relish in community and viewing How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Town Square Park, 5:30-9:30 p.m., free, Windermere, Town.Windermere.Fl.Us

DEC. 20-23
Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker
Featuring guest star American Ballet Theatre dancers Chloe Misseldine and Jarod Curely, enter into Clara and Drosselmeyer’s world of dancing sweets, sword-fighting rodents and some of ballet’s most famous music.
Carol Morsani Hall, times vary, $21.25+, Tampa, StrazCenter.org

DEC. 21
Baldwin Park Community Market Jingle Jam
Enjoy shopping and dining experiences with vendors and local restaurants, a milk and cookie bar and more.
New Baldwin Park Community Market, 5:30 p.m., free, Orlando, BPCommunityMarket.com

DEC. 21
Holiday Drone Show
Watch the night sky light up with a display of holiday images made by synchronized drones.
Lake Eola Park, 6:30 & 8:30 p.m., free, Orlando, DowntownOrlando.com

DEC. 23, 26-30 & JAN. 2-3, 6
Winter Art Camp
Children in grades 1-5 are invited to spend their winter breaks immersed in creativity; the theme “Past, Present, and Future” contains projects inspired by skateboard culture, Little Golden Books, rock music and more.
Orlando Museum of Art, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $55-60 per day or $347-378 for all seven days, Orlando, OMArt.org

DEC. 24
Christmas Eve Celebration
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday and enjoy free admission to the Morse Museum galleries with live music starting at 1 p.m.
Morse Museum, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., free, Winter Park, MorseMuseum.org

DEC. 26
Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting
Join the Chabad of South Orlando in celebrating the second night of Chanukah featuring live music, hot latkes, an animal show, crafts for the kids and more.
Butterfly Sculpture Park, 6 p.m., free, Winter Garden, JewishOrlando.com

DEC. 31
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Ring in 2025 with a free midnight fireworks display, live music, muscle and classic car show, and more presented by Old Town and Fun Spot.
Old Town Entertainment District, 10 a.m.-midnight, free, Kissimmee, MyOldTownUSA.com

DEC. 31
The Ice Masquerade: A New Year’s Eve Celebration
Welcome 2025 with a masquerade-themed New Year’s Eve bash featuring specialty champagne, a midnight buffet, ice sculptures, free digital souvenir photo and raffle giveaways.
Ice Bar, 7 p.m., $50-150, Orlando, IceBarOrlando.com

At the Parks

Legoland

Holidays at Legoland
Send letters to LEGO Santa, rock around the over 30 foot LEGO tree, take ‘elfies with new holidays characters and ring in the New Year with fireworks over Lake Eloise.
This event is included in regular park admission and runs through Dec. 31.

Seaworld Orlando

Christmas Celebration
See the park transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of lights, holiday shows and entertainment, a visit from Santa and holiday treats.
This event is included in regular park admission and runs through Jan. 5.

Universal Orlando

Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
Experience the Seuss Landing as it is transformed into Whoville and meet the famous Grinch who stole Christmas.
This event is included in regular park admission and runs through Dec. 31.

Universal’s Holiday Parade
Keep an eye out for your favorite DreamWorks and Illumination films while taking in Universal Orlando’s holiday parade.
This event is included in regular park admission and runs through Dec. 31

Icon Park

The Santa Workshop Experience
Take photos with Santa and enjoy festivities across the park, which has been transformed into a holiday escape with lots of activities for the entire family.
This event runs nightly through Dec. 24.

Walt Disney World

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Returning this 2024 holiday season, this celebration with Mickey and his friends features live entertainment, a parade, a fireworks display and more.
This event takes place on select nights through Dec. 20 and separate special event tickets, ranging from $179-219, are required. 

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Embrace holiday traditions from around the world as you travel around the globe at Disney’s EPCOT.
This event runs nightly Nov. 29-Dec. 30.